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1623 search results for: today is the day

1551
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    [agents_bottom_line] => 
Since buying activity is still strong, this might be a great time to put your house on the market.
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                    [created_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z
                    [id] => 6
                    [name] => For Sellers
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                    [published_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z
                    [slug] => sellers
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                    [updated_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z
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    [content_type] => blog
    [contents] => Proof that NOW is a Good Time to Sell

Most homeowners believe that the winter is not a good time to sell. This belief is based on the fact that historically the number of buyers decreases in the winter and then increases dramatically during the spring buying market. Though this is still true, there is an interesting pattern developing over the last few months.

The number of prospective purchasers actively looking at a home (foot traffic) has remained strong going into the fall. As a matter of fact, the foot traffic far exceeds the numbers reported for the same months last year (see chart):

Foot Traffic Still High

At the same time, the National Association of Realtors revealed that the months’ supply of housing inventory has decreased from 5.5 months to 5.3. That equates to less competition for homeowners selling today as compared to next spring when many homeowners will decide to put their home on the market.

Bottom Line

Since buying activity is still strong, this might be a great time to put your house on the market. [created_at] => 2014-11-20T06:00:31Z [description] => Most homeowners believe that the winter is not a good time to sell. This belief is based on the fact that historically the number of buyers decreases in the winter and then increases dramatically during the spring buying market. Though this is st... [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https:/// [id] => 177 [published_at] => 2014-11-20T10:00:31Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => proof-that-now-is-a-good-time-to-sell [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => Proof that NOW is a Good Time to Sell [updated_at] => 2014-11-18T11:00:18Z [url] => /2014/11/20/proof-that-now-is-a-good-time-to-sell/ )

Proof that NOW is a Good Time to Sell

Most homeowners believe that the winter is not a good time to sell. This belief is based on the fact that historically the number of buyers decreases in the winter and then increases dramatically during the spring buying market. Though this is st...
1551
stdClass Object
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    [agents_bottom_line] => Where Are Prices Headed Over the Next 5 Years? | Simplifying The Market

Today, many real estate conversations center on housing prices and where they may be headed. That is why we like the Home Price Expectation Survey.

Every quarter, Pulsenomics surveys a nationwide panel of over one hundred economists, real estate experts and investment & market strategists about where prices are headed over the next five years. They then average the projections of all 100+ experts into a single number.  

The results of their latest survey

  • Home values will appreciate by 4.8% in 2014.
  • The cumulative appreciation will be 23.5% by 2019.
  • That means the average annual appreciation will be 3.6% over the next 5 years.
  • Even the experts making up the most bearish quartile of the survey still are projecting a cumulative appreciation of 15.1% by 2019.
Individual opinions make headlines. We believe the survey is a fairer depiction of future values.   [assets] => Array ( ) [can_share] => no [categories] => Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [category_type] => standard [children] => [created_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z [id] => 5 [name] => For Buyers [parent] => [parent_id] => [published_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z [slug] => buyers [status] => public [translations] => stdClass Object ( [es] => stdClass Object ( [name] => Para los compradores ) ) [updated_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z ) [1] => stdClass Object ( [category_type] => standard [children] => [created_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z [id] => 6 [name] => For Sellers [parent] => [parent_id] => [published_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z [slug] => sellers [status] => public [translations] => stdClass Object ( [es] => stdClass Object ( [name] => Para los vendedores ) ) [updated_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z ) ) [content_type] => blog [contents] => Where Are Prices Headed Over the Next 5 Years? | Simplifying The Market Today, many real estate conversations center on housing prices and where they may be headed. That is why we like the Home Price Expectation Survey. Every quarter, Pulsenomics surveys a nationwide panel of over one hundred economists, real estate experts and investment & market strategists about where prices are headed over the next five years. They then average the projections of all 100+ experts into a single number.  

The results of their latest survey

  • Home values will appreciate by 4.8% in 2014.
  • The cumulative appreciation will be 23.5% by 2019.
  • That means the average annual appreciation will be 3.6% over the next 5 years.
  • Even the experts making up the most bearish quartile of the survey still are projecting a cumulative appreciation of 15.1% by 2019.
Individual opinions make headlines. We believe the survey is a fairer depiction of future values.   [created_at] => 2014-11-18T06:00:33Z [description] => Today, many real estate conversations center on housing prices and where they may be headed. That is why we like the Home Price Expectation Survey. Every quarter, Pulsenomics surveys a nationwide panel of over one hundred economists, real esta... [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https:/// [id] => 175 [published_at] => 2014-11-18T10:00:33Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => where-are-prices-headed-over-the-next-5-years [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => Where Are Prices Headed Over the Next 5 Years? [updated_at] => 2014-11-17T15:50:28Z [url] => /2014/11/18/where-are-prices-headed-over-the-next-5-years/ )

Where Are Prices Headed Over the Next 5 Years?

Today, many real estate conversations center on housing prices and where they may be headed. That is why we like the Home Price Expectation Survey. Every quarter, Pulsenomics surveys a nationwide panel of over one hundred economists, real esta...
1551
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    [agents_bottom_line] => Harvard’s 5 Financial Reasons to Buy a Home | Simplifying The Market

Eric Belsky is Managing Director of the Joint Center of Housing Studies at Harvard University. He also currently serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Housing Research and Housing Policy Debate. Last year, he released a paper on homeownership - The Dream Lives On: the Future of Homeownership in America. In his paper, Belsky reveals five financial reasons people should consider buying a home.

Here are the five reasons, each followed by an excerpt from the study:

1.) Housing is typically the one leveraged investment available.
“Few households are interested in borrowing money to buy stocks and bonds and few lenders are willing to lend them the money. As a result, homeownership allows households to amplify any appreciation on the value of their homes by a leverage factor. Even a hefty 20 percent down payment results in a leverage factor of five so that every percentage point rise in the value of the home is a 5 percent return on their equity. With many buyers putting 10 percent or less down, their leverage factor is 10 or more.”
2.) You're paying for housing whether you own or rent. 
“Homeowners pay debt service to pay down their own principal while households that rent pay down the principal of a landlord.”
3.) Owning is usually a form of “forced savings”.
“Since many people have trouble saving and have to make a housing payment one way or the other, owning a home can overcome people’s tendency to defer savings to another day.”
4.) There are substantial tax benefits to owning.
“Homeowners are able to deduct mortgage interest and property taxes from income...On top of all this, capital gains up to $250,000 are excluded from income for single filers and up to $500,000 for married couples if they sell their homes for a gain.”
5.) Owning is a hedge against inflation.
“Housing costs and rents have tended over most time periods to go up at or higher than the rate of inflation, making owning an attractive proposition.”
Bottom Line We realize that homeownership makes sense for many Americans for an assortment of social and family reasons. It also makes sense financially. [assets] => Array ( ) [can_share] => no [categories] => Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [category_type] => standard [children] => [created_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z [id] => 5 [name] => For Buyers [parent] => [parent_id] => [published_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z [slug] => buyers [status] => public [translations] => stdClass Object ( [es] => stdClass Object ( [name] => Para los compradores ) ) [updated_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z ) ) [content_type] => blog [contents] => Harvard’s 5 Financial Reasons to Buy a Home | Simplifying The Market Eric Belsky is Managing Director of the Joint Center of Housing Studies at Harvard University. He also currently serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Housing Research and Housing Policy Debate. Last year, he released a paper on homeownership - The Dream Lives On: the Future of Homeownership in America. In his paper, Belsky reveals five financial reasons people should consider buying a home. Here are the five reasons, each followed by an excerpt from the study: 1.) Housing is typically the one leveraged investment available.
“Few households are interested in borrowing money to buy stocks and bonds and few lenders are willing to lend them the money. As a result, homeownership allows households to amplify any appreciation on the value of their homes by a leverage factor. Even a hefty 20 percent down payment results in a leverage factor of five so that every percentage point rise in the value of the home is a 5 percent return on their equity. With many buyers putting 10 percent or less down, their leverage factor is 10 or more.”
2.) You're paying for housing whether you own or rent. 
“Homeowners pay debt service to pay down their own principal while households that rent pay down the principal of a landlord.”
3.) Owning is usually a form of “forced savings”.
“Since many people have trouble saving and have to make a housing payment one way or the other, owning a home can overcome people’s tendency to defer savings to another day.”
4.) There are substantial tax benefits to owning.
“Homeowners are able to deduct mortgage interest and property taxes from income...On top of all this, capital gains up to $250,000 are excluded from income for single filers and up to $500,000 for married couples if they sell their homes for a gain.”
5.) Owning is a hedge against inflation.
“Housing costs and rents have tended over most time periods to go up at or higher than the rate of inflation, making owning an attractive proposition.”
Bottom Line We realize that homeownership makes sense for many Americans for an assortment of social and family reasons. It also makes sense financially. [created_at] => 2014-11-17T06:00:33Z [description] => Eric Belsky is Managing Director of the Joint Center of Housing Studies at Harvard University. He also currently serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Housing Research and Housing Policy Debate. Last year, he released a paper on homeown... [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https:/// [id] => 174 [published_at] => 2014-11-17T10:00:33Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => harvards-5-financial-reasons-to-buy-a-home-2 [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => Harvard’s 5 Financial Reasons to Buy a Home [updated_at] => 2014-11-17T10:23:05Z [url] => /2014/11/17/harvards-5-financial-reasons-to-buy-a-home-2/ )

Harvard’s 5 Financial Reasons to Buy a Home

Eric Belsky is Managing Director of the Joint Center of Housing Studies at Harvard University. He also currently serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Housing Research and Housing Policy Debate. Last year, he released a paper on homeown...
1551
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    [agents_bottom_line] => 
We believe that the Institute concluded their report perfectly:
“Those who have criticized low-down payment lending as excessively risky should know that if the past is a guide, only a narrow group of borrowers will receive these loans, and the overall impact on default rates is likely to be negligible. This low down payment lending was never more than 3.5 percent of the Fannie Mae book of business, and in recent years, had been even less. If executed carefully, this constitutes a small step forward in opening the credit box—one that safely, but only incrementally, expands the pool of who can qualify for a mortgage.”
[assets] => Array ( ) [can_share] => no [categories] => Array ( ) [content_type] => blog [contents] => Fear of Low Down Payments Mostly Unwarranted | Simplifying The Market After it was announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would again make available mortgage loans requiring as little as a 3% down payment, many people showed concern. Were we going back to the lower qualifying standards of a decade ago that caused the housing market crash? Won’t lower down payments dramatically increase the default rates? Will we again be faced with an avalanche of short sales and foreclosures? The simple answer is - NO. Let’s look at the data.

While it was happening (2011)

Back in 2011, as we were just recovering from the worst of the Great Recession, many organizations were looking for the cause of the massive default rate on mortgages. The National Association of Realtors (NAR), the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL), the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the Community Banking Mortgage Project and the Mortgage Insurance Companies of America (MICA) issued a white paper on the subject titled: Proposed QRM Harms Creditworthy Borrowers and Housing Recovery. Let's look what the report says:
“In the midst of a very fragile housing recovery, the government is throwing a devastating, unnecessary and very expensive wrench into the American dream. First time homebuyers will have to choose between higher rates today or a 9-14 year delay while they save up the necessary down payment… High down payment and equity requirements will not have a meaningful impact on default rates. But they will require millions of consumers, who are at low risk of default, to either put off buying a home or pay unnecessarily high rates. The government is penalizing responsible consumers, making homeownership more expensive or simply out of reach for millions. We urge regulators to develop a final rule that encourages good lending and borrowing without punishing credit-worthy consumers.”
The report actually studied the impact a higher down payment would have had on the default rates of loans written from 2002 through 2008. The report states:
“…moving from a 5 percent to a 10 percent down payment on loans that already meet strong underwriting and product standards reduces the default experience by an average of only two- or three-tenths of one percent... Increasing the minimum down payment even further to 20 percent… (creates)  small improvement in default performance of about eight-tenths of one percent on average.”

Today  (2014)

Just last week, the Urban Institute reveled data showing what impact substantially lower down payments would have on default rates in today’s mortgage environment. Their study revealed:
“Of loans that originated in 2011 with a down payment between 3-5 percent, only 0.4 percent of borrowers have defaulted. For loans with slightly larger down payments—between 5-10 percent—the default rate was exactly the same. The story is similar for loans made in 2012, with 0.2 percent in the 3-5 percent down-payment group defaulting, versus 0.1 percent of loans in the 5-10 percent down-payment group.”

Bottom Line

We believe that the Institute concluded their report perfectly:
“Those who have criticized low-down payment lending as excessively risky should know that if the past is a guide, only a narrow group of borrowers will receive these loans, and the overall impact on default rates is likely to be negligible. This low down payment lending was never more than 3.5 percent of the Fannie Mae book of business, and in recent years, had been even less. If executed carefully, this constitutes a small step forward in opening the credit box—one that safely, but only incrementally, expands the pool of who can qualify for a mortgage.”
[created_at] => 2014-11-13T07:00:12Z [description] => After it was announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would again make available mortgage loans requiring as little as a 3% down payment, many people showed concern. Were we going back to the lower qualifying standards of a decade ago that cause... [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https:/// [id] => 172 [published_at] => 2014-11-13T07:00:12Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => fear-of-low-down-payments-mostly-unwarranted [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => Fear of Low Down Payments Mostly Unwarranted [updated_at] => 2014-11-13T19:47:46Z [url] => /2014/11/13/fear-of-low-down-payments-mostly-unwarranted/ )

Fear of Low Down Payments Mostly Unwarranted

After it was announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would again make available mortgage loans requiring as little as a 3% down payment, many people showed concern. Were we going back to the lower qualifying standards of a decade ago that cause...
1551
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    [agents_bottom_line] => Happy Veterans Day! | Simplifying The Market

Thank you for your service!

[assets] => Array ( ) [can_share] => no [categories] => Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [category_type] => standard [children] => [created_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z [id] => 1 [name] => Uncategorized [parent] => [parent_id] => [published_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z [slug] => uncategorized [status] => public [translations] => stdClass Object ( [es] => stdClass Object ( [name] => No clasificado ) ) [updated_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z ) ) [content_type] => blog [contents] => Happy Veterans Day! | Simplifying The Market

Thank you for your service!

[created_at] => 2014-11-11T06:00:51Z [description] => Thank you for your service!... [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https:/// [id] => 170 [published_at] => 2014-11-11T10:00:51Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => happy-veterans-day-3 [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => Happy Veterans Day! [updated_at] => 2014-11-13T20:45:43Z [url] => /2014/11/11/happy-veterans-day-3/ )

Happy Veterans Day!

Thank you for your service!...
1551
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    [agents_bottom_line] => 
If you are even thinking about buying, get the facts from a trained professional. You may be pleasantly surprised by what you find out.
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                    [created_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z
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                    [updated_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z
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    [content_type] => blog
    [contents] => Debunking 4 Myths About Buying a Home | Simplifying the Market

A recent study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University revealed when renters were asked why they do no plan to own in the future, financial constraints were a more common response than the perceived lifestyle benefits they may receive from renting. Today, we want to go over those financial challenges and see if we can put some fears to rest and also clear up some misconceptions. Here are the top four financial hurdles that cause renters not to buy:

You Cannot Afford a Home

Well over 50% of renters consider this as a financial barrier to homeownership. However, study after study has shown us that there are major misunderstandings about what is required to purchase a home. The biggest misconception is the amount of a down payment required. A recent survey revealed that 44% of respondents believed that a 20% down payment was required. In actuality, mortgages are available with as little as 5% down (and even 3% in certain situations). The same survey showed that 30% of respondents believe that only individuals with ‘high incomes’ can obtain a mortgage. In actuality, there are several programs intentionally created to help moderate income families buy a home of their own (look at the FHA program for example).

You Do Not Have Good Enough Credit to Get a Mortgage

The survey mentioned above showed that 64% of respondents believe they must have a “very good” credit score to buy a home. Most people don’t realize that the average credit score for closed loans has actually dropped 24 points in the last two years. For more information on credit scores click here.

It’s Not a Good Time to Buy a Home

Determining when is the right time to buy a home from a pure financial calculation can be difficult. There are two elements of the cost of a home: the price of the house and the mortgage interest rate. When considering a purchase, you want to have at least an indication where prices and mortgage rates are headed. According to over 100 experts, house values are expected to increase by almost 20% between now and 2018. And Freddie Mac recently projected that mortgage rates would be as much as one full point higher by this time next year. With both prices and interest rates projected to increase, now is the perfect time to buy a home.

It’s Cheaper to Rent than Buy

This is a myth that doesn’t want to die. However, Trulia recently reported that, in fact, buying is actually dramatically cheaper than renting. Here is what they said:
“Homeownership remains cheaper than renting nationally and in all of the 100 largest metro areas. In fact, buying is 38% cheaper than renting now, compared with 35% cheaper than renting one year ago.”

Bottom Line

If you are even thinking about buying, get the facts from a trained professional. You may be pleasantly surprised by what you find out. [created_at] => 2014-11-05T06:00:20Z [description] => A recent study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University revealed when renters were asked why they do no plan to own in the future, financial constraints were a more common response than the perceived lifestyle benefits they m... [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https:/// [id] => 166 [published_at] => 2014-11-05T10:00:20Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => debunking-4-myths-about-buying-a-home [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => Debunking 4 Myths about Buying a Home [updated_at] => 2014-11-05T19:23:03Z [url] => /2014/11/05/debunking-4-myths-about-buying-a-home/ )

Debunking 4 Myths about Buying a Home

A recent study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University revealed when renters were asked why they do no plan to own in the future, financial constraints were a more common response than the perceived lifestyle benefits they m...
1551
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    [agents_bottom_line] => 
Before you decide to take on the challenges of selling your house on your own, sit with a real estate professional in your marketplace and see what they have to offer.
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                    [created_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z
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                    [name] => For Sellers
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                    [published_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z
                    [slug] => sellers
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                    [updated_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z
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    [content_type] => blog
    [contents] => 5 Reasons You Should Not For Sale By Owner | Keeping Current Matters

Some homeowners may consider trying to sell their home on without the assistance of a real estate professional, known in the industry as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). We think there are several reasons this might not be a good idea for the vast majority of sellers.

Here are five of our reasons

1. There Are Too Many People to Negotiate With

Here is a list of some of the people with whom you must be prepared to negotiate if you decide to FSBO.
  • The buyer who wants the best deal possible
  • The buyer’s agent who solely represents the best interest of the buyer
  • The buyer’s attorney (in some parts of the country)
  • The home inspection companies which work for the buyer and will almost always find some problems with the house
  • The appraiser if there is a question of value
  • Your bank in the case of a short sale

2. Exposure to Prospective Purchasers

Recent studies have shown that 92% of buyers search online for a home. That is in comparison to only 28% looking at print newspaper ads. Most real estate agents have an extensive internet strategy to promote the sale of your home. Do you?

3.  Actual Results also come from the Internet

Where do buyers find the home they actually purchased?
  • 43% on the internet
  • 9% from a yard sign
  • 1% from newspapers
The days of selling your house by just putting up a sign and putting it in the paper are long gone. Having a strong internet strategy is crucial.

4. FSBOing has Become More and More Difficult

The paperwork involved in selling and buying a home has increased dramatically as industry disclosures and regulations have become mandatory. This is one of the reasons that the percentage of people FSBOing has dropped from 19% to 9% over the last 20+ years. 

5. You Net More Money when Using an Agent

Many homeowners believe that they will save the real estate commission by selling on their own. Realize that the main reason buyers look at FSBOs is because they also believe they can save the real commission. The seller and buyer can’t both save the same commission. Studies have shown that the typical house sold by the homeowner sells for $184,000 while the typical house sold by an agent sells for $230,000.   This doesn’t mean that an agent can get $46,000 more for your home as studies have shown that people are more likely to FSBO in markets with lower price points. However, it does show that selling on your own might not make sense.

Bottom Line

Before you decide to take on the challenges of selling your house on your own, sit with a real estate professional in your marketplace and see what they have to offer. [created_at] => 2014-11-03T06:00:10Z [description] => Some homeowners may consider trying to sell their home on without the assistance of a real estate professional, known in the industry as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). We think there are several reasons this might not be a good idea for the vast maj... [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https:/// [id] => 164 [published_at] => 2014-11-03T10:00:10Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => 5-reasons-you-shouldnt-for-sale-by-owner-3 [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => 5 Reasons You Shouldn’t For Sale by Owner [updated_at] => 2014-11-03T15:01:25Z [url] => /2014/11/03/5-reasons-you-shouldnt-for-sale-by-owner-3/ )

5 Reasons You Shouldn’t For Sale by Owner

Some homeowners may consider trying to sell their home on without the assistance of a real estate professional, known in the industry as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). We think there are several reasons this might not be a good idea for the vast maj...
1551
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(
    [agents_bottom_line] => 14,164 Homes Sold Yesterday! Did Yours? | Simplifying The Market

There are some homeowners that have been waiting for months to get a price they hoped for when they originally listed their house for sale. The only thing they might want to consider is... If it hasn't sold yet this fall, maybe it's not priced properly.

After all 14,164 houses sold yesterday, 14,164 will sell today and 14,164 will sell tomorrow. 14,164!

That is the average number of homes that sell each and every day in this country according to the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) latest Existing Home Sales Report. NAR reported that sales are at an annual rate of 5.17 million. Divide that number by 365 (days in a year) and we can see that, on average, over 14,100 homes sell every day. Sales are at the highest pace of 2014. We realize that you want to get the fair market value for your home. However, if it hasn't sold in today's active real estate market, perhaps you should reconsider your current asking price.   [assets] => Array ( ) [can_share] => no [categories] => Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [category_type] => standard [children] => [created_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z [id] => 6 [name] => For Sellers [parent] => [parent_id] => [published_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z [slug] => sellers [status] => public [translations] => stdClass Object ( [es] => stdClass Object ( [name] => Para los vendedores ) ) [updated_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z ) ) [content_type] => blog [contents] => 14,164 Homes Sold Yesterday! Did Yours? | Simplifying The Market There are some homeowners that have been waiting for months to get a price they hoped for when they originally listed their house for sale. The only thing they might want to consider is... If it hasn't sold yet this fall, maybe it's not priced properly.

After all 14,164 houses sold yesterday, 14,164 will sell today and 14,164 will sell tomorrow. 14,164!

That is the average number of homes that sell each and every day in this country according to the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) latest Existing Home Sales Report. NAR reported that sales are at an annual rate of 5.17 million. Divide that number by 365 (days in a year) and we can see that, on average, over 14,100 homes sell every day. Sales are at the highest pace of 2014. We realize that you want to get the fair market value for your home. However, if it hasn't sold in today's active real estate market, perhaps you should reconsider your current asking price.   [created_at] => 2014-10-28T06:00:58Z [description] => There are some homeowners that have been waiting for months to get a price they hoped for when they originally listed their house for sale. The only thing they might want to consider is... If it hasn't sold yet this fall, maybe it's not priced pr... [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https:/// [id] => 160 [published_at] => 2014-10-28T10:00:58Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => 14164-homes-sold-yesterday-did-yours [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => 14,164 Homes Sold Yesterday! Did Yours? [updated_at] => 2014-10-28T19:10:43Z [url] => /2014/10/28/14164-homes-sold-yesterday-did-yours/ )

14,164 Homes Sold Yesterday! Did Yours?

There are some homeowners that have been waiting for months to get a price they hoped for when they originally listed their house for sale. The only thing they might want to consider is... If it hasn't sold yet this fall, maybe it's not priced pr...
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Only you and your family can know for certain the right time to purchase a home. Answering these questions will help you make that decision.
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    [contents] => 3 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Home | Simplifying The Market

If you are thinking about purchasing a home right now, you are surely getting a lot of advice. Though your friends and family have your best interests at heart, they may not be fully aware of your needs and what is currently happening in real estate. Let’s look at whether or not now is actually a good time for you to buy a home.

There are three questions you should ask before purchasing in today’s market: 

1. Why am I buying a home in the first place?

This truly is the most important question to answer. Forget the finances for a minute. Why did you even begin to consider purchasing a home? For most, the reason has nothing to do with finances. A study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University reveals that the four major reasons people buy a home have nothing to do with money:
  • A good place to raise children and for them to get a good education
  • A place where you and your family feel safe
  • More space for you and your family
  • Control of the space
What non-financial benefits will you and your family derive from owning a home? The answer to that question should be the biggest reason you decide to purchase or not.

2. Where are home values headed?

When looking at future housing values, Home Price Expectation Survey provides a fair assessment. Every quarter, Pulsenomics surveys a nationwide panel of over one hundred economists, real estate experts and investment & market strategists about where prices are headed over the next five years. They then average the projections of all 100+ experts into a single number. Here is what the experts projected in the latest survey:
  • Home values will appreciate by 4% in 2015.
  • The cumulative appreciation will be 19.5% by 2018.
  • Even the experts making up the most bearish quartile of the survey still are projecting a cumulative appreciation of over 11.2% by 2018.

3. Where are mortgage interest rates headed?

A buyer must be concerned about more than just prices. The ‘long term cost’ of a home can be dramatically impacted by an increase in mortgage rates. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the National Association of RealtorsFannie Mae and Freddie Mac have all projected that mortgage interest rates will increase by approximately one full percentage over the next twelve months.

Bottom Line

Only you and your family can know for certain the right time to purchase a home. Answering these questions will help you make that decision. [created_at] => 2014-10-27T06:00:03Z [description] => If you are thinking about purchasing a home right now, you are surely getting a lot of advice. Though your friends and family have your best interests at heart, they may not be fully aware of your needs and what is currently happening in real est... [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https:/// [id] => 159 [published_at] => 2014-10-27T10:00:03Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => 3-questions-to-ask-before-buying-a-home-2 [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => 3 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Home [updated_at] => 2014-10-28T19:34:02Z [url] => /2014/10/27/3-questions-to-ask-before-buying-a-home-2/ )

3 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Home

If you are thinking about purchasing a home right now, you are surely getting a lot of advice. Though your friends and family have your best interests at heart, they may not be fully aware of your needs and what is currently happening in real est...
1551
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Whenever a billionaire gives investment advice, people usually clamor to hear it. This billionaire gave simple advice – if you don’t yet live in your own home, go buy one.
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    [contents] => Billionaire Says Real Estate is Best Investment Possible | Simplifying The Market

Billionaire money manager John Paulson was interviewed at the Delivering Alpha Conference presented by CNBC and Institutional Investor. During his session he boldly stated:
"I still think, from an individual perspective, the best deal investment you can make is to buy a primary residence that you're the owner-occupier of.”

Who is John Paulson?

Paulson is the person who, back in 2005 & 2006, made a fortune betting that the subprime mortgage mess would cause the real estate market to collapse. He understands how the housing market works and knows when to buy and when to sell. What do others think of Paulson? According to Forbes, John Paulson is:
“A multibillionaire hedge fund operator and the investment genius.”
According to the Wall Street Journal, Paulson is:
“A hedge fund tycoon who made his name, and a fortune, betting against subprime mortgages when no one else even knew what they were.”

Why does he believe homeownership is such a great investment?

Paulson breaks down the math of homeownership as an investment:
"Today financing costs are extraordinarily low. You can get a 30-year mortgage somewhere around 4.5 percent. And if you put down, let's say, 10 percent and the house is up 5 percent, which is the latest data, then you would be up 50 percent on your investment."
How many are seeing a 50% return on a cash investment right now? Paulson goes on to compare the long term financial benefits of owning verses renting:
“And you’ve locked in the cost over the next 30 years. And today the cost of owning is somewhat less than the cost of renting. And if you rent, the rent goes up every year. But if you buy a 30-year mortgage, the cost is fixed.”

Bottom Line

Whenever a billionaire gives investment advice, people usually clamor to hear it. This billionaire gave simple advice – if you don’t yet live in your own home, go buy one. [created_at] => 2014-10-22T06:00:21Z [description] => Billionaire money manager John Paulson was interviewed at the Delivering Alpha Conference presented by CNBC and Institutional Investor. During his session he boldly stated: "I still think, from an individual perspective, the best deal investment... [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https:/// [id] => 156 [published_at] => 2014-10-22T10:00:21Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => billionaire-says-real-estate-is-best-investment-possible-2 [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => Billionaire Says Real Estate is Best Investment Possible [updated_at] => 2014-10-28T19:41:35Z [url] => /2014/10/22/billionaire-says-real-estate-is-best-investment-possible-2/ )

Billionaire Says Real Estate is Best Investment Possible

Billionaire money manager John Paulson was interviewed at the Delivering Alpha Conference presented by CNBC and Institutional Investor. During his session he boldly stated: "I still think, from an individual perspective, the best deal investment...
1551
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Are you thinking of selling your house? Are you dreading having to deal with strangers walking through the house? Are you concerned about getting the paperwork correct? Hiring a professional real estate agent can take away most of the challenges of selling. A great agent is always worth more than the commission they charge just like a great doctor or great accountant.

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Are you thinking of selling your house? Are you dreading having to deal with strangers walking through the house? Are you concerned about getting the paperwork correct? Hiring a professional real estate agent can take away most of the challenges of selling. A great agent is always worth more than the commission they charge just like a great doctor or great accountant.

[created_at] => 2014-10-20T06:00:07Z [description] => Are you thinking of selling your house? Are you dreading having to deal with strangers walking through the house? Are you concerned about getting the paperwork correct? Hiring a professional real estate agent can take away most of the challenges of s... [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https://simplifyingmedia/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/01162534/Megaphone.jpg [id] => 154 [published_at] => 2014-10-20T10:00:07Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => 5-demands-to-make-on-your-real-estate-agent-2 [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => 5 Demands to Make on Your Real Estate Agent [updated_at] => 2015-07-09T17:33:38Z [url] => /2014/10/20/5-demands-to-make-on-your-real-estate-agent-2/ )

5 Demands to Make on Your Real Estate Agent

Are you thinking of selling your house? Are you dreading having to deal with strangers walking through the house? Are you concerned about getting the paperwork correct? Hiring a professional real estate agent can take away most of the challenges of s...
1551
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    [agents_bottom_line] => Fannie Mae Agrees: Hire A Pro to Sell Your House | Keeping Current Matters

Do you really need an agent to sell your house in today’s market? Here’s what Fannie Mae suggests to sellers on the Know Your Options section of their website:
“Select how you'll market and list the home (e.g., with a real estate agent or for sale by owner). There are pros and cons to each, but unless you are experienced at selling homes, it usually makes financial sense to get professional help—homes sold by agents typically sell at a higher price and spend less time on the market. An agent will also help you determine the best pricing for the house, they'll market the home, and they'll be your advocate throughout the process.”

Let’s go over the points they made:

  • Homes sold by agents typically sell at a higher price
  • Homes sold by agents typically spend less time on the market
  • An agent will help you determine the best pricing for the house
  • An agent will market the home
  • An agent will be your advocate throughout the process
If Fannie Mae says using an agent probably makes sense, perhaps you should interview an agent before putting your house up for sale. [assets] => Array ( ) [can_share] => no [categories] => Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [category_type] => standard [children] => [created_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z [id] => 6 [name] => For Sellers [parent] => [parent_id] => [published_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z [slug] => sellers [status] => public [translations] => stdClass Object ( [es] => stdClass Object ( [name] => Para los vendedores ) ) [updated_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z ) ) [content_type] => blog [contents] => Fannie Mae Agrees: Hire A Pro to Sell Your House | Keeping Current Matters Do you really need an agent to sell your house in today’s market? Here’s what Fannie Mae suggests to sellers on the Know Your Options section of their website:
“Select how you'll market and list the home (e.g., with a real estate agent or for sale by owner). There are pros and cons to each, but unless you are experienced at selling homes, it usually makes financial sense to get professional help—homes sold by agents typically sell at a higher price and spend less time on the market. An agent will also help you determine the best pricing for the house, they'll market the home, and they'll be your advocate throughout the process.”

Let’s go over the points they made:

  • Homes sold by agents typically sell at a higher price
  • Homes sold by agents typically spend less time on the market
  • An agent will help you determine the best pricing for the house
  • An agent will market the home
  • An agent will be your advocate throughout the process
If Fannie Mae says using an agent probably makes sense, perhaps you should interview an agent before putting your house up for sale. [created_at] => 2014-10-16T06:00:21Z [description] => Do you really need an agent to sell your house in today’s market? Here’s what Fannie Mae suggests to sellers on the Know Your Options section of their website: “Select how you'll market and list the home (e.g., with a real estate agent or for sa... [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https:/// [id] => 152 [published_at] => 2014-10-16T10:00:21Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => fannie-mae-agrees-hire-a-pro-to-sell-your-house [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => Fannie Mae Agrees: Hire a Pro to Sell Your House [updated_at] => 2014-10-16T14:49:13Z [url] => /2014/10/16/fannie-mae-agrees-hire-a-pro-to-sell-your-house/ )

Fannie Mae Agrees: Hire a Pro to Sell Your House

Do you really need an agent to sell your house in today’s market? Here’s what Fannie Mae suggests to sellers on the Know Your Options section of their website: “Select how you'll market and list the home (e.g., with a real estate agent or for sa...
1551
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    [agents_bottom_line] => A Home’s Cost vs. Price Explained | Keeping Current Matters

In real estate there is a difference between COST and PRICE. As a seller, you will be most concerned about ‘short term price’ – where home values are headed over the next six months. As either a first time or repeat buyer, you must not be concerned about price but instead about the ‘long term cost’ of the home.

Let us explain.

Recently, we reported that a nationwide panel of over one hundred economists, real estate experts and investment & market strategists projected that home values would appreciate by approximately 4% from now to the end of 2015. Additionally, Freddie Mac’s most recent Economic Commentary & Projections Table predicts that the 30 year fixed mortgage rate will be 5.0% by the end of next year.

What Does This Mean to a Buyer?

Here is a simple demonstration of what impact these projected changes would have on the mortgage payment of a home selling for approximately $250,000 today: The Cost of Waiting A Year | Keeping Current Matters [assets] => Array ( ) [can_share] => no [categories] => Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [category_type] => standard [children] => [created_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z [id] => 5 [name] => For Buyers [parent] => [parent_id] => [published_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z [slug] => buyers [status] => public [translations] => stdClass Object ( [es] => stdClass Object ( [name] => Para los compradores ) ) [updated_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z ) [1] => stdClass Object ( [category_type] => standard [children] => [created_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z [id] => 6 [name] => For Sellers [parent] => [parent_id] => [published_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z [slug] => sellers [status] => public [translations] => stdClass Object ( [es] => stdClass Object ( [name] => Para los vendedores ) ) [updated_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z ) [2] => stdClass Object ( [category_type] => standard [children] => [created_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z [id] => 38 [name] => Move-Up [parent] => [parent_id] => [published_at] => 2024-04-10T16:00:35Z [slug] => move-up [status] => public [translations] => stdClass Object ( [es] => stdClass Object ( [name] => Compradores de casa mas grande ) ) [updated_at] => 2024-04-10T16:00:35Z ) ) [content_type] => blog [contents] => A Home’s Cost vs. Price Explained | Keeping Current Matters In real estate there is a difference between COST and PRICE. As a seller, you will be most concerned about ‘short term price’ – where home values are headed over the next six months. As either a first time or repeat buyer, you must not be concerned about price but instead about the ‘long term cost’ of the home.

Let us explain.

Recently, we reported that a nationwide panel of over one hundred economists, real estate experts and investment & market strategists projected that home values would appreciate by approximately 4% from now to the end of 2015. Additionally, Freddie Mac’s most recent Economic Commentary & Projections Table predicts that the 30 year fixed mortgage rate will be 5.0% by the end of next year.

What Does This Mean to a Buyer?

Here is a simple demonstration of what impact these projected changes would have on the mortgage payment of a home selling for approximately $250,000 today: The Cost of Waiting A Year | Keeping Current Matters [created_at] => 2014-10-14T06:00:00Z [description] => In real estate there is a difference between COST and PRICE. As a seller, you will be most concerned about ‘short term price’ – where home values are headed over the next six months. As either a first time or repeat buyer, you must not be concern... [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https:/// [id] => 150 [published_at] => 2014-10-14T10:00:00Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => a-homes-cost-vs-price-explained-2 [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => A Home’s Cost vs. Price Explained [updated_at] => 2014-10-28T17:49:15Z [url] => /2014/10/14/a-homes-cost-vs-price-explained-2/ )

A Home’s Cost vs. Price Explained

In real estate there is a difference between COST and PRICE. As a seller, you will be most concerned about ‘short term price’ – where home values are headed over the next six months. As either a first time or repeat buyer, you must not be concern...
1551
stdClass Object
(
    [agents_bottom_line] => 

Don't Let Fear Get In Your Way | Keeping Current Matters

Today we are excited to have Steve Harney, the Founder & Chief Content Creator for Keeping Current Matters as our guest blogger.  Steve has over 30 years experience in real estate and is a trusted & sought after speaker. Enjoy!

Last week, I was talking to a young couple I know that was about to close on their first home. They were riding the wild rollercoaster of current mortgage rate swings and were not happy about the mortgage process overall. Yet, when the conversation shifted to finally living in a home that they own, their disposition changed dramatically. A smile came across their faces as they talked about decorating their son’s bedroom and how much he will enjoy the backyard. They talked about inviting friends over for dinner and their family over for the holidays. The more they talked, the more excited they became. I asked them if many of their friends were also buying. I was shocked to find out that they weren’t. Why not? Their friends believed that homeownership was financially unobtainable right now. Many wanted to own but didn’t think they could afford the monthly mortgage payment. They decided to rent instead. I said that, with interest rates and prices where they are today, owning a home might not be any more expensive than renting one. The couple agreed but said their friends were afraid; afraid they might not qualify for a loan, afraid to handle negotiations with a seller, afraid of the home buying process itself. Wow!

People should not make decisions out of fear!

I’m not saying that every young person should own a home. I am saying that anyone that is qualified and wants to buy should not be afraid of the process. I realize the process may seem daunting but realize over 10,000 homes sell every day in this country. Sit down and discuss your goals with professionals from both the real estate and mortgage industries. Get the facts. Make an informed decision. Don’t let the fear of the unknown prevent you from living the life of your dreams. [assets] => Array ( ) [can_share] => no [categories] => Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [category_type] => standard [children] => [created_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z [id] => 5 [name] => For Buyers [parent] => [parent_id] => [published_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z [slug] => buyers [status] => public [translations] => stdClass Object ( [es] => stdClass Object ( [name] => Para los compradores ) ) [updated_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z ) ) [content_type] => blog [contents] =>

Don't Let Fear Get In Your Way | Keeping Current Matters

Today we are excited to have Steve Harney, the Founder & Chief Content Creator for Keeping Current Matters as our guest blogger.  Steve has over 30 years experience in real estate and is a trusted & sought after speaker. Enjoy!

Last week, I was talking to a young couple I know that was about to close on their first home. They were riding the wild rollercoaster of current mortgage rate swings and were not happy about the mortgage process overall. Yet, when the conversation shifted to finally living in a home that they own, their disposition changed dramatically. A smile came across their faces as they talked about decorating their son’s bedroom and how much he will enjoy the backyard. They talked about inviting friends over for dinner and their family over for the holidays. The more they talked, the more excited they became. I asked them if many of their friends were also buying. I was shocked to find out that they weren’t. Why not? Their friends believed that homeownership was financially unobtainable right now. Many wanted to own but didn’t think they could afford the monthly mortgage payment. They decided to rent instead. I said that, with interest rates and prices where they are today, owning a home might not be any more expensive than renting one. The couple agreed but said their friends were afraid; afraid they might not qualify for a loan, afraid to handle negotiations with a seller, afraid of the home buying process itself. Wow!

People should not make decisions out of fear!

I’m not saying that every young person should own a home. I am saying that anyone that is qualified and wants to buy should not be afraid of the process. I realize the process may seem daunting but realize over 10,000 homes sell every day in this country. Sit down and discuss your goals with professionals from both the real estate and mortgage industries. Get the facts. Make an informed decision. Don’t let the fear of the unknown prevent you from living the life of your dreams. [created_at] => 2014-10-08T06:00:36Z [description] => Today we are excited to have Steve Harney, the Founder & Chief Content Creator for Keeping Current Matters as our guest blogger.  Steve has over 30 years experience in real estate and is a trusted & sought after speaker. Enjoy! Last week, ... [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https:/// [id] => 146 [published_at] => 2014-10-08T10:00:36Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => buying-a-home-dont-let-fear-get-in-your-way-3 [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => Buying a Home? Don't Let Fear Get in Your Way [updated_at] => 2014-10-08T14:57:10Z [url] => /2014/10/08/buying-a-home-dont-let-fear-get-in-your-way-3/ )

Buying a Home? Don't Let Fear Get in Your Way

Today we are excited to have Steve Harney, the Founder & Chief Content Creator for Keeping Current Matters as our guest blogger.  Steve has over 30 years experience in real estate and is a trusted & sought after speaker. Enjoy! Last week, ...
1551
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It seems that the belief that homeownership as a huge part of the American Dream still beats in the hearts of the young people of this country.
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                                    [name] => Compradores de vivienda por primera vez
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    [contents] => Future Homeowners Share American Dream | Keeping Current Matters

Two recently released reports indicate that both young adults (Millennials) and teenagers (Generation Z) still see homeownership as an important piece of their future success.

A report by The Demand Institute, Millennials and Their Homes: Still Seeking the American Dream, revealed that the Millennial Generation is optimistic about their financial future and still believe in homeownership. The findings were based on a survey of millennial households (ages 18 to 29).

The report predicted that:
  • 8.3 million new Millennial (Gen Y) households will form in the next five years
  • $1.6 trillion will be spent on home purchases by Millennials and $600 billion on rent over the next five years

Millennials optimistic about their finances and homeownership

Of those surveyed:
  • 74% expect to move within the next five years
  • 79% expect their financial situation to improve
  • 75% believe homeownership is an important long-term goal
  • 73% believe homeownership is an excellent investment
  • 24% already own their home and
  • An additional 60% plan to buy a home in the future
  • 44% do think it would be difficult to qualify for a mortgage

What about the next generation (today’s teenagers)?

A recent survey by Better Homes and Gardens® revealed that Generation Z (teens ages 13-17) is very traditional in their views toward homeownership and is willing to sacrifice to attain the American Dream. Findings from the survey show:
  • 82% of Gen Z teens indicate that homeownership is the most important factor in achieving the American Dream.
  • 89% said owning a home is part of their interpretation of the American Dream
  • 97% believe they will own a home
  • 77% percent chose owning a home over owning a business

Bottom Line

It seems that the belief that homeownership as a huge part of the American Dream still beats in the hearts of the young people of this country. [created_at] => 2014-10-01T06:00:24Z [description] => Two recently released reports indicate that both young adults (Millennials) and teenagers (Generation Z) still see homeownership as an important piece of their future success. A report by The Demand Institute, Millennials and Their Homes: Stil... [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https:/// [id] => 141 [published_at] => 2014-10-01T10:00:24Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => future-homeowners-share-american-dream [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => Future Homeowners Share American Dream [updated_at] => 2014-10-01T14:18:26Z [url] => /2014/10/01/future-homeowners-share-american-dream/ )

Future Homeowners Share American Dream

Two recently released reports indicate that both young adults (Millennials) and teenagers (Generation Z) still see homeownership as an important piece of their future success. A report by The Demand Institute, Millennials and Their Homes: Stil...
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2014 American Express Spending & Saving Tracker

“About two-thirds (65%) of homeowners say they are confident they would get the asking price for their home if they were to put it on the market today (up from 40% in 2010).”

Financial Security Index Survey

“Eighty nine percent of Americans feel that buying a home is an important part of achieving the American Dream.”

“How America Views Homeownership” Survey

“Sixty eight percent of Americans feel that now is a good time to buy a home.”

Housing Confidence Index

“A two-thirds majority of renter households said that owning a home someday is a specific goal that they are determined to reach, or something that they think about a lot."

Fannie Mae

“Homes have accounted for 23.5% of American’s wealth on average since 1959. That’s nearly double the proportion U.S. households and nonprofits have invested in stocks.”

Wall Street Journal

“A measure of owners' equity as a share of the value of real-estate holdings hit 53.6% in the second quarter, up from 53.2% in the first quarter and below 50% a year earlier. For most Americans, a home is their biggest asset, so the growing level of home equity suggests improvements in the economy are now reaching more Americans.”
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2014 American Express Spending & Saving Tracker

“About two-thirds (65%) of homeowners say they are confident they would get the asking price for their home if they were to put it on the market today (up from 40% in 2010).”

Financial Security Index Survey

“Eighty nine percent of Americans feel that buying a home is an important part of achieving the American Dream.”

“How America Views Homeownership” Survey

“Sixty eight percent of Americans feel that now is a good time to buy a home.”

Housing Confidence Index

“A two-thirds majority of renter households said that owning a home someday is a specific goal that they are determined to reach, or something that they think about a lot."

Fannie Mae

“Homes have accounted for 23.5% of American’s wealth on average since 1959. That’s nearly double the proportion U.S. households and nonprofits have invested in stocks.”

Wall Street Journal

“A measure of owners' equity as a share of the value of real-estate holdings hit 53.6% in the second quarter, up from 53.2% in the first quarter and below 50% a year earlier. For most Americans, a home is their biggest asset, so the growing level of home equity suggests improvements in the economy are now reaching more Americans.”
[created_at] => 2014-09-29T06:00:24Z [description] => 2014 American Express Spending & Saving Tracker “About two-thirds (65%) of homeowners say they are confident they would get the asking price for their home if they were to put it on the market today (up from 40% in 2010).” Financial Security ... [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https:/// [id] => 139 [published_at] => 2014-09-29T10:00:24Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => homeownership-a-few-stats-and-quotes [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => Homeownership: A Few Stats and Quotes [updated_at] => 2014-09-29T13:52:32Z [url] => /2014/09/29/homeownership-a-few-stats-and-quotes/ )

Homeownership: A Few Stats and Quotes

2014 American Express Spending & Saving Tracker “About two-thirds (65%) of homeowners say they are confident they would get the asking price for their home if they were to put it on the market today (up from 40% in 2010).” Financial Security ...
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    [content_type] => blog
    [contents] => NAR's August Existing Home Sales Report | Keeping Current Matters
    [created_at] => 2014-09-26T06:00:44Z
    [description] => ...
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    [featured_image] => https:///
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    [published_at] => 2014-09-26T10:00:44Z
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    [slug] => 13836-home-sell-every-day-in-the-united-states-infographic
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    [title] => 13,836 Home Sell Every Day in the United States! [INFOGRAPHIC]
    [updated_at] => 2014-09-24T21:21:13Z
    [url] => /2014/09/26/13836-home-sell-every-day-in-the-united-states-infographic/
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13,836 Home Sell Every Day in the United States! [INFOGRAPHIC]

...
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    [agents_bottom_line] => What You Don't Know About Your Credit Score Could Cost You! | Keeping Current Matters

Today we are excited to have Nabil Captan as our guest blogger. Nabil is a nationally recognized credit scoring expert, educator, author and producer. In today’s post, he explains how what you don’t know about your credit score could end up costing you. Enjoy!

Informed consumers considering a home purchase today want to do the right thing and plan ahead. Many do not seek immediate professional guidance from a Realtor or a mortgage loan officer. Instead, they hunt for hours online, looking at numerous websites for available homes for sale. They also consult websites to find the best interest rate and terms for future monthly mortgage payments. Many consumers feel betrayed, cheated and at times embarrassed to learn that the credit scores they counted on, to get that specific interest rate for their loan, are not used by mortgage lenders.

When shopping for a good mortgage interest rate, consumers also need to know their credit score, and utilize an online mortgage calculator to compute future monthly mortgage payments. A Google search for “credit score” will yield hundreds of results. The consumer accepts the provider’s terms and conditions to get a free credit score. Terrific! Unaware that in exchange they just received a meaningless credit score that lenders never use. They also handed over their Non-Public Personal Information (NPPI) to that credit score provider for life.

Before we go any further, let’s look at available credit scoring products available to consumers today:
  • FICO credit score from Fair Isaac Corporation/myfico.com, range 300 to 850
  • Plus Score from Experian, range 320 to 830
  • Trans Risk Score from TransUnion, range 300 to 850
  • Equifax Credit Score from Equifax, range 300 to 850
  • Vantage Score from all three bureaus, two ranges, 300 to 850 and 501-990

What is a FICO Score?

In 1958, Bill Fair and Earl Isaac, a mathematician and engineer, formed a company in San Rafael, California. They created tools to help risk managers make a better decision when taking financial risk. Today, 90 percent of all lenders use the FICO score, first created in 1989 by Fair Isaac, and it’s the only score Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the Federal Housing Agency and Veterans Affairs will accept in underwriting loans they guarantee.

What is a Consumer Score?

The three credit bureaus, in their understanding of the credit scoring model created by FICO, decided to create their own scoring models, and in 2004 – 2006 they unveiled the “consumer” scores: Plus Score, Trans Risk Score, Equifax Credit Score, and Vantage Score. However, these are not genuine FICO scores, and mortgage lenders don’t use them. Consider this comparison: Would you buy a watch that gives the approximate time of day? The three credit bureaus work with major financial institutions, professional organizations, comparison sites, personal finance businesses, clubs such as Costco, AAA, Sam’s Club, and many data-mining brokers to bombard consumers in the race of the free credit score mania, all with the enticement of a “consumer” score that is not used by lenders, in hopes of obtaining subscriptions or fees from consumers. Fees that are totally unnecessary!

Know Your Score

Gaining access to one’s own credit report and credit score prior to loan approval with no strings attached could be helpful, and at all times beneficial. With little effort, inaccuracy of information can be instantly corrected at the credit bureau level, and with a few simple steps, credit scores could be enhanced. For example, paying down revolving account balances before a creditor’s statement-ending date (the creditor later updates account information with the credit bureaus), thus reducing revolving account balances at a particular point in time, will positively add more points to a score. It’s priceless.

More Information

Consumers have a legal right to access their annual credit report at no charge once a year from annualcreditreport.com, a site sponsored by the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. These reports provide all the basic consumer data, but do not reveal a credit score. If you have a need for the FICO credit score that is actually used by mortgage lenders, myfico.com is the website to visit. For $19.95 per bureau, consumers can purchase a customized credit report with a genuine FICO score. Additional websites to visit: the Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (cfpb.gov) for true answers to questions about any financial concepts, financial products, dispute and complaint submissions, and much more. Today’s homebuyer has instant access to answers. To be relevant in today’s market, real estate professionals need to know the absolute correct response to basic credit questions. It’s important. Copyright 2014 Nabil Captan, Captan & Company. All rights reserved. [assets] => Array ( ) [can_share] => no [categories] => Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [category_type] => standard [children] => [created_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z [id] => 5 [name] => For Buyers [parent] => [parent_id] => [published_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z [slug] => buyers [status] => public [translations] => stdClass Object ( [es] => stdClass Object ( [name] => Para los compradores ) ) [updated_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z ) [1] => stdClass Object ( [category_type] => standard [children] => [created_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z [id] => 6 [name] => For Sellers [parent] => [parent_id] => [published_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z [slug] => sellers [status] => public [translations] => stdClass Object ( [es] => stdClass Object ( [name] => Para los vendedores ) ) [updated_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z ) ) [content_type] => blog [contents] => What You Don't Know About Your Credit Score Could Cost You! | Keeping Current Matters Today we are excited to have Nabil Captan as our guest blogger. Nabil is a nationally recognized credit scoring expert, educator, author and producer. In today’s post, he explains how what you don’t know about your credit score could end up costing you. Enjoy! Informed consumers considering a home purchase today want to do the right thing and plan ahead. Many do not seek immediate professional guidance from a Realtor or a mortgage loan officer. Instead, they hunt for hours online, looking at numerous websites for available homes for sale. They also consult websites to find the best interest rate and terms for future monthly mortgage payments. Many consumers feel betrayed, cheated and at times embarrassed to learn that the credit scores they counted on, to get that specific interest rate for their loan, are not used by mortgage lenders. When shopping for a good mortgage interest rate, consumers also need to know their credit score, and utilize an online mortgage calculator to compute future monthly mortgage payments. A Google search for “credit score” will yield hundreds of results. The consumer accepts the provider’s terms and conditions to get a free credit score. Terrific! Unaware that in exchange they just received a meaningless credit score that lenders never use. They also handed over their Non-Public Personal Information (NPPI) to that credit score provider for life. Before we go any further, let’s look at available credit scoring products available to consumers today:
  • FICO credit score from Fair Isaac Corporation/myfico.com, range 300 to 850
  • Plus Score from Experian, range 320 to 830
  • Trans Risk Score from TransUnion, range 300 to 850
  • Equifax Credit Score from Equifax, range 300 to 850
  • Vantage Score from all three bureaus, two ranges, 300 to 850 and 501-990

What is a FICO Score?

In 1958, Bill Fair and Earl Isaac, a mathematician and engineer, formed a company in San Rafael, California. They created tools to help risk managers make a better decision when taking financial risk. Today, 90 percent of all lenders use the FICO score, first created in 1989 by Fair Isaac, and it’s the only score Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the Federal Housing Agency and Veterans Affairs will accept in underwriting loans they guarantee.

What is a Consumer Score?

The three credit bureaus, in their understanding of the credit scoring model created by FICO, decided to create their own scoring models, and in 2004 – 2006 they unveiled the “consumer” scores: Plus Score, Trans Risk Score, Equifax Credit Score, and Vantage Score. However, these are not genuine FICO scores, and mortgage lenders don’t use them. Consider this comparison: Would you buy a watch that gives the approximate time of day? The three credit bureaus work with major financial institutions, professional organizations, comparison sites, personal finance businesses, clubs such as Costco, AAA, Sam’s Club, and many data-mining brokers to bombard consumers in the race of the free credit score mania, all with the enticement of a “consumer” score that is not used by lenders, in hopes of obtaining subscriptions or fees from consumers. Fees that are totally unnecessary!

Know Your Score

Gaining access to one’s own credit report and credit score prior to loan approval with no strings attached could be helpful, and at all times beneficial. With little effort, inaccuracy of information can be instantly corrected at the credit bureau level, and with a few simple steps, credit scores could be enhanced. For example, paying down revolving account balances before a creditor’s statement-ending date (the creditor later updates account information with the credit bureaus), thus reducing revolving account balances at a particular point in time, will positively add more points to a score. It’s priceless.

More Information

Consumers have a legal right to access their annual credit report at no charge once a year from annualcreditreport.com, a site sponsored by the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. These reports provide all the basic consumer data, but do not reveal a credit score. If you have a need for the FICO credit score that is actually used by mortgage lenders, myfico.com is the website to visit. For $19.95 per bureau, consumers can purchase a customized credit report with a genuine FICO score. Additional websites to visit: the Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (cfpb.gov) for true answers to questions about any financial concepts, financial products, dispute and complaint submissions, and much more. Today’s homebuyer has instant access to answers. To be relevant in today’s market, real estate professionals need to know the absolute correct response to basic credit questions. It’s important. Copyright 2014 Nabil Captan, Captan & Company. All rights reserved. [created_at] => 2014-09-24T06:00:28Z [description] => Today we are excited to have Nabil Captan as our guest blogger. Nabil is a nationally recognized credit scoring expert, educator, author and producer. In today’s post, he explains how what you don’t know about your credit score could end up costi... [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https:/// [id] => 136 [published_at] => 2014-09-24T10:00:28Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => what-you-dont-know-about-your-credit-score-could-cost-you [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => What You Don't Know About Your Credit Score... Could Cost You! [updated_at] => 2014-10-08T15:14:43Z [url] => /2014/09/24/what-you-dont-know-about-your-credit-score-could-cost-you/ )

What You Don't Know About Your Credit Score... Could Cost You!

Today we are excited to have Nabil Captan as our guest blogger. Nabil is a nationally recognized credit scoring expert, educator, author and producer. In today’s post, he explains how what you don’t know about your credit score could end up costi...
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If you are saving for either your first home or that perfect move-up dream house, make sure you know all your options. You may be pleasantly surprised.
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    [content_type] => blog
    [contents] => The Truth About Buying a Home: You DON'T Need 20% Down | Keeping Current Matters

In a recent survey, How America Views Homeownership, it was revealed that 68% of Americans feel that now is a good time to buy a home and 95%said they want to own a home if they don’t already.

Franklin Codel, head of Wells Fargo home mortgageproduction, explains:
“Although the home buying process has changed in many ways in recent years, our survey found Americans still view homeownership as an achievement to be proud of and many believe that now is a good time to buy a home.”

Confusion Creates Paralysis

However, the survey also reported that many are afraid to purchase a home because of uncertainty about “qualifying for a mortgage or navigating the home buying process”. Though 74% said they “know and understand” the financial process involved in buying a home, they also gave answers that suggest otherwise. For example:
  • 30% of respondents believe that only individuals with high incomes can obtain a mortgage
  • 64% of respondents believe they must have a “very good” credit score to buy a home
  • 44% believe that a 20% down payment is required
In actuality many of these beliefs are unfounded. Let’s look at the question of down payment: Freddie Mac, in a recent blog post addressing the issue, confirmed that there is misinformation regarding the amount necessary when determining the down payment for a home purchase:
“Did you know 40 percent of today's homebuyers using mortgage financing are making down payments that are less than 10 percent? And how about this: since 2010, the number of people putting down less than 10 percent for conventional loans has grown three fold.  So, not only are low down payment options real, they represent a significant portion of today's purchases.”
In a separate Executive Perspectives, Christina Boyle, Freddie Mac’s VP and Head of Single-Family Sales & Relationship Management explained further:
  • A person “can get a conforming, conventional mortgage with a down payment of as little as 5 percent (sometimes with as little as 3 percent coming out of their own pockets)”.
  • Qualified borrowers can further reduce the down payment coming out of their own pockets to 3 percent by lining up gifts from family, grants or loans from non-profits or public agencies.

Education is the Key

Boyle talked about the importance of educating potential buyers:
“Letting more consumers know how down payments are determined could bring more qualified borrowers off the sidelines. Depending on their credit history and other factors, many borrowers can expect to make a down payment of about 5 or 10 percent.”
Codel agreed:
“It is important for prospective homebuyers to feel empowered to ask lenders and real estate agents questions about available options, such as down payment assistance or FHA loan programs or VA loans for veterans.”

Bottom Line

If you are saving for either your first home or that perfect move-up dream house, make sure you know all your options. You may be pleasantly surprised. [created_at] => 2014-09-23T06:00:09Z [description] => In a recent survey, How America Views Homeownership, it was revealed that 68% of Americans feel that now is a good time to buy a home and 95%said they want to own a home if they don’t already. Franklin Codel, head of Wells Fargo home mortgagep... [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https:/// [id] => 135 [published_at] => 2014-09-23T10:00:09Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => the-truth-about-buying-a-home-you-dont-need-20-down [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => The Truth About Buying a Home: You DON'T Need 20% Down [updated_at] => 2014-09-23T13:23:07Z [url] => /2014/09/23/the-truth-about-buying-a-home-you-dont-need-20-down/ )

The Truth About Buying a Home: You DON'T Need 20% Down

In a recent survey, How America Views Homeownership, it was revealed that 68% of Americans feel that now is a good time to buy a home and 95%said they want to own a home if they don’t already. Franklin Codel, head of Wells Fargo home mortgagep...
1551
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    [agents_bottom_line] => How Interest Rates Impact Family Wealth | Keeping Current Matters

With interest rates still in the low 4%’s, many buyers may be on the fence as to whether to act now and purchase a new home, or wait until next year.

If you look at what the experts are predicting for 2015, it may make the decision for you.

Mortgage Rate Projections | Keeping Current Matters

Even an increase of half a percentage point can put a dent in your family’s net worth.

Let’s look at it this way…

The monthly payment (principal & interest only) on a $250,000 home today, with the current 4.1% interest rate would be $1,208. If we take that same home a year later, the Home Price Expectation Survey projects that prices will rise about 4% making that home cost $10,000 more at $260,000. If we take Freddie Mac’s rate projection of 4.8%, the monthly mortgage payment climbs to $1,364. Some buyers might not think that an extra $156 a month is that bad. But over the course of 30-year mortgage you have spent an additional $56,160 by waiting a year. [assets] => Array ( ) [can_share] => no [categories] => Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [category_type] => standard [children] => [created_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z [id] => 5 [name] => For Buyers [parent] => [parent_id] => [published_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z [slug] => buyers [status] => public [translations] => stdClass Object ( [es] => stdClass Object ( [name] => Para los compradores ) ) [updated_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z ) ) [content_type] => blog [contents] => How Interest Rates Impact Family Wealth | Keeping Current Matters With interest rates still in the low 4%’s, many buyers may be on the fence as to whether to act now and purchase a new home, or wait until next year.

If you look at what the experts are predicting for 2015, it may make the decision for you.

Mortgage Rate Projections | Keeping Current Matters

Even an increase of half a percentage point can put a dent in your family’s net worth.

Let’s look at it this way…

The monthly payment (principal & interest only) on a $250,000 home today, with the current 4.1% interest rate would be $1,208. If we take that same home a year later, the Home Price Expectation Survey projects that prices will rise about 4% making that home cost $10,000 more at $260,000. If we take Freddie Mac’s rate projection of 4.8%, the monthly mortgage payment climbs to $1,364. Some buyers might not think that an extra $156 a month is that bad. But over the course of 30-year mortgage you have spent an additional $56,160 by waiting a year. [created_at] => 2014-09-15T06:00:30Z [description] => With interest rates still in the low 4%’s, many buyers may be on the fence as to whether to act now and purchase a new home, or wait until next year. If you look at what the experts are predicting for 2015, it may make the decision for you. E... [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https:/// [id] => 129 [published_at] => 2014-09-15T10:00:30Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => how-interest-rates-impact-family-wealth [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => How Interest Rates Impact Family Wealth [updated_at] => 2014-09-15T13:54:15Z [url] => /2014/09/15/how-interest-rates-impact-family-wealth/ )

How Interest Rates Impact Family Wealth

With interest rates still in the low 4%’s, many buyers may be on the fence as to whether to act now and purchase a new home, or wait until next year. If you look at what the experts are predicting for 2015, it may make the decision for you. E...
1551
stdClass Object
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    [agents_bottom_line] => Getting a Mortgage: Why so much Paperwork? | Keeping Current Matters

We are often asked why there is so much paperwork mandated by the bank for a mortgage loan application when buying a home today. It seems that the bank needs to know everything about us and requires three separate sources to validate each and every entry on the application form. Many buyers are being told by friends and family that the process was a hundred times easier when they bought their home ten to twenty years ago.

There are two very good reasons that the loan process is much more onerous on today’s buyer than perhaps any time in history.
  1. The government has set new guidelines that now demand that the bank prove beyond any doubt that you are indeed capable of affording the mortgage. During the run-up in the housing market, many people ‘qualified’ for mortgages that they could never pay back. This led to millions of families losing their home. The government wants to make sure this can’t happen again
  2. The banks don’t want to be in the real estate business. Over the last seven years, banks were forced to take on the responsibility of liquidating millions of foreclosures and also negotiating another million plus short sales. Just like the government, they don’t want more foreclosures. For that reason, they need to double (maybe even triple) check everything on the application.
However, there is some good news in the situation. The housing crash that mandated that banks be extremely strict on paperwork requirements also allowed you to get a mortgage interest rate probably below 5%. The friends and family who bought homes ten or twenty ago experienced a simpler mortgage application process but also paid a higher interest rate (the average 30 year fixed rate mortgage was 8.12% in the 1990’s and 6.29% in the 2000’s). If you went to the bank and offered to pay 7% instead of <5%, they would probably bend over backwards to make the process much easier.

Bottom Line

Instead of concentrating on the additional paperwork required, let’s be thankful that we are able to buy a home at historically low rates. [assets] => Array ( ) [can_share] => no [categories] => Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [category_type] => standard [children] => [created_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z [id] => 5 [name] => For Buyers [parent] => [parent_id] => [published_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z [slug] => buyers [status] => public [translations] => stdClass Object ( [es] => stdClass Object ( [name] => Para los compradores ) ) [updated_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z ) ) [content_type] => blog [contents] => Getting a Mortgage: Why so much Paperwork? | Keeping Current Matters We are often asked why there is so much paperwork mandated by the bank for a mortgage loan application when buying a home today. It seems that the bank needs to know everything about us and requires three separate sources to validate each and every entry on the application form. Many buyers are being told by friends and family that the process was a hundred times easier when they bought their home ten to twenty years ago. There are two very good reasons that the loan process is much more onerous on today’s buyer than perhaps any time in history.
  1. The government has set new guidelines that now demand that the bank prove beyond any doubt that you are indeed capable of affording the mortgage. During the run-up in the housing market, many people ‘qualified’ for mortgages that they could never pay back. This led to millions of families losing their home. The government wants to make sure this can’t happen again
  2. The banks don’t want to be in the real estate business. Over the last seven years, banks were forced to take on the responsibility of liquidating millions of foreclosures and also negotiating another million plus short sales. Just like the government, they don’t want more foreclosures. For that reason, they need to double (maybe even triple) check everything on the application.
However, there is some good news in the situation. The housing crash that mandated that banks be extremely strict on paperwork requirements also allowed you to get a mortgage interest rate probably below 5%. The friends and family who bought homes ten or twenty ago experienced a simpler mortgage application process but also paid a higher interest rate (the average 30 year fixed rate mortgage was 8.12% in the 1990’s and 6.29% in the 2000’s). If you went to the bank and offered to pay 7% instead of <5%, they would probably bend over backwards to make the process much easier.

Bottom Line

Instead of concentrating on the additional paperwork required, let’s be thankful that we are able to buy a home at historically low rates. [created_at] => 2014-09-11T06:00:03Z [description] => We are often asked why there is so much paperwork mandated by the bank for a mortgage loan application when buying a home today. It seems that the bank needs to know everything about us and requires three separate sources to validate each and eve... [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https:/// [id] => 127 [published_at] => 2014-09-11T10:00:03Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => getting-a-mortgage-why-so-much-paperwork-2 [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => Getting A Mortgage: Why So Much Paperwork? [updated_at] => 2014-09-09T19:12:59Z [url] => /2014/09/11/getting-a-mortgage-why-so-much-paperwork-2/ )

Getting A Mortgage: Why So Much Paperwork?

We are often asked why there is so much paperwork mandated by the bank for a mortgage loan application when buying a home today. It seems that the bank needs to know everything about us and requires three separate sources to validate each and eve...
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You Need a Pro When Buying a Home | Keeping Current Matters

Many people wonder whether they should hire a real estate professional to assist them in buying their dream home or if they should first try to go it on their own. In today’s market: you need an experienced professional!

You Need an Expert Guide if you are Traveling a Dangerous Path

The field of real estate is loaded with land mines. You need a true expert to guide you through the dangerous pitfalls that currently exist. Finding a home that is priced appropriately and ready for you to move in to can be tricky. An agent listens to your wants and needs, and can sift out the homes that do not fit within the parameters of your “dream home”.

A great agent will also have relationships with mortgage professionals and other experts that you will need in securing your dream home.

You Need a Skilled Negotiator

In today’s market, hiring a talented negotiator could save you thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of dollars. Each step of the way – from the original offer, to the possible renegotiation of that offer after a home inspection, to the possible cancellation of the deal based on a troubled appraisal – you need someone who can keep the deal together until it closes.

Realize that when an agent is negotiating their commission with you, they are negotiating their own salary; the salary that keeps a roof over their family’s head; the salary that puts food on their family’s table. If they are quick to take less when negotiating for themselves and their families, what makes you think they will not act the same way when negotiating for you and your family? If they were Clark Kent when negotiating with you, they will not turn into Superman when negotiating with the buyer or seller in your deal.

Bottom Line

Famous sayings become famous because they are true. You get what you pay for. Just like a good accountant or a good attorney, a good agent will save you money…not cost you money.

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You Need a Pro When Buying a Home | Keeping Current Matters

Many people wonder whether they should hire a real estate professional to assist them in buying their dream home or if they should first try to go it on their own. In today’s market: you need an experienced professional!

You Need an Expert Guide if you are Traveling a Dangerous Path

The field of real estate is loaded with land mines. You need a true expert to guide you through the dangerous pitfalls that currently exist. Finding a home that is priced appropriately and ready for you to move in to can be tricky. An agent listens to your wants and needs, and can sift out the homes that do not fit within the parameters of your “dream home”.

A great agent will also have relationships with mortgage professionals and other experts that you will need in securing your dream home.

You Need a Skilled Negotiator

In today’s market, hiring a talented negotiator could save you thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of dollars. Each step of the way – from the original offer, to the possible renegotiation of that offer after a home inspection, to the possible cancellation of the deal based on a troubled appraisal – you need someone who can keep the deal together until it closes.

Realize that when an agent is negotiating their commission with you, they are negotiating their own salary; the salary that keeps a roof over their family’s head; the salary that puts food on their family’s table. If they are quick to take less when negotiating for themselves and their families, what makes you think they will not act the same way when negotiating for you and your family? If they were Clark Kent when negotiating with you, they will not turn into Superman when negotiating with the buyer or seller in your deal.

Bottom Line

Famous sayings become famous because they are true. You get what you pay for. Just like a good accountant or a good attorney, a good agent will save you money…not cost you money.

[created_at] => 2014-09-09T06:00:09Z [description] => Many people wonder whether they should hire a real estate professional to assist them in buying their dream home or if they should first try to go it on their own. In today’s market: you need an experienced professional! You Need an Expert Guide... [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https:/// [id] => 125 [published_at] => 2014-09-09T10:00:09Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => you-need-a-professional-when-buying-a-home [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => You Need A Professional When Buying A Home [updated_at] => 2014-09-09T13:43:51Z [url] => /2014/09/09/you-need-a-professional-when-buying-a-home/ )

You Need A Professional When Buying A Home

Many people wonder whether they should hire a real estate professional to assist them in buying their dream home or if they should first try to go it on their own. In today’s market: you need an experienced professional! You Need an Expert Guide...
1551
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    [agents_bottom_line] => Rebuilding America... one home at a time. | Keeping Current Matters
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    [contents] => Rebuilding America... one home at a time. | Keeping Current Matters
    [created_at] => 2014-09-01T07:00:48Z
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    [title] => Enjoy the Weekend!
    [updated_at] => 2014-08-26T21:44:16Z
    [url] => /2014/09/01/enjoy-the-weekend/
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Enjoy the Weekend!

...
1551
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    [agents_bottom_line] => 

Don’t get caught in the trap so many renters are currently in. If you are ready and willing to buy a home, find out if you are able. Have a professional help you determine if you are eligible to get a mortgage.

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Don’t Get Caught in the ‘Renter’s Trap’ | Keeping Current Matters

In a recent press release, Zillow stated that the affordability of the nation’s rental inventory is currently much worse than affordability of the country’s home sale inventory. The release revealed two things:

  1. Nationally, renters signing a lease at the end of the second quarter paid 29.5% of their income to rent
  2. U.S. home buyers at the end of the second quarter could expect to pay 15.3% of their incomes to a mortgage on the typical home

Furthermore, renters pay more than the average of 24.9% that was paid in the pre-bubble period while buyers actually pay far less than the 22.1% share homeowners devoted to mortgages in the pre-bubble days.

Don’t Become Trapped

If you are currently renting you could get caught up in a cycle where increasing rents continue to make it impossible for you to save for a necessary down payment. Zillow Chief Economist Dr. Stan Humphries explains:

"The affordability of for-sale homes remains strong, which is encouraging for those buyers that can save for a down payment and capitalize on low mortgage interest rates…As rents keep rising, along with interest rates and home values, saving for a down payment and attaining homeownership becomes that much more difficult for millions of current renters.”

Know Your Options

Perhaps you already have saved enough to buy your first home. HousingWire recently reported that analysts at Nomura believe:

“It’s not that Millennials and other potential homebuyers aren’t qualified in terms of their credit scores or in how much they have saved for their down payment. 

It’s that they think they’re not qualified or they think that they don’t have a big enough down payment.” (emphasis added)

Freddie Mac came out with comments on this exact issue:

  1. A person “can get a conforming, conventional mortgage with a down payment of as little as 5 percent (sometimes with as little as 3 percent coming out of their own pockets)”.
  2. Freddie Mac's purchase of mortgages with down payments under 10 percent more than quadrupled between 2009 and 2013.
  3. More than one in five borrowers who took out conforming, conventional mortgages in 2014 put down 10 percent or less.

Bottom Line

Don’t get caught in the trap so many renters are currently in. If you are ready and willing to buy a home, find out if you are able. Have a professional help you determine if you are eligible to get a mortgage.

[created_at] => 2014-08-27T07:00:48Z [description] => In a recent press release, Zillow stated that the affordability of the nation’s rental inventory is currently much worse than affordability of the country’s home sale inventory. The release revealed two things:Nationally, renters signing a lease at t... [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https:/// [id] => 116 [published_at] => 2014-08-27T07:00:48Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => dont-get-caught-in-the-renters-trap [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => Don’t Get Caught in the ‘Renter’s Trap’ [updated_at] => 2014-08-27T14:16:50Z [url] => /2014/08/27/dont-get-caught-in-the-renters-trap/ )

Don’t Get Caught in the ‘Renter’s Trap’

In a recent press release, Zillow stated that the affordability of the nation’s rental inventory is currently much worse than affordability of the country’s home sale inventory. The release revealed two things:Nationally, renters signing a lease at t...
1551
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14,109 Houses Sold Yesterday! Did Yours? | Keeping Current Matters

There are some homeowners that have been waiting for months to get a price they hoped for when they originally listed their house for sale. The only thing they might want to consider is... If it hasn't sold over the summer, maybe it's not priced properly.

After all 14,109 houses sold yesterday, 14,109 will sell today and 14,109 will sell tomorrow. 14,109!

That is the average number of homes that sell each and every day in this country according to the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) latest Existing Home Sales Report. NAR reported that sales are at an annual rate of 5.15 million. Divide that number by 365 (days in a year) and we can see that, on average, over 14,000 homes sell every day. Sales are at the highest pace of 2014 and have risen for four consecutive months.

We realize that you want to get the fair market value for your home. However, if it hasn't sold in today's active real estate market, perhaps you should reconsider your current asking price.

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14,109 Houses Sold Yesterday! Did Yours? | Keeping Current Matters

There are some homeowners that have been waiting for months to get a price they hoped for when they originally listed their house for sale. The only thing they might want to consider is... If it hasn't sold over the summer, maybe it's not priced properly.

After all 14,109 houses sold yesterday, 14,109 will sell today and 14,109 will sell tomorrow. 14,109!

That is the average number of homes that sell each and every day in this country according to the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) latest Existing Home Sales Report. NAR reported that sales are at an annual rate of 5.15 million. Divide that number by 365 (days in a year) and we can see that, on average, over 14,000 homes sell every day. Sales are at the highest pace of 2014 and have risen for four consecutive months.

We realize that you want to get the fair market value for your home. However, if it hasn't sold in today's active real estate market, perhaps you should reconsider your current asking price.

[created_at] => 2014-08-26T06:00:00Z [description] => There are some homeowners that have been waiting for months to get a price they hoped for when they originally listed their house for sale. The only thing they might want to consider is... If it hasn't sold over the summer, maybe it's not priced prop... [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https:/// [id] => 115 [published_at] => 2014-08-26T10:00:00Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => 14109-houses-sold-yesterday-did-yours [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => 14,109 Houses Sold Yesterday! Did Yours? [updated_at] => 2014-08-26T13:32:53Z [url] => /2014/08/26/14109-houses-sold-yesterday-did-yours/ )

14,109 Houses Sold Yesterday! Did Yours?

There are some homeowners that have been waiting for months to get a price they hoped for when they originally listed their house for sale. The only thing they might want to consider is... If it hasn't sold over the summer, maybe it's not priced prop...